Review: Calculation Training by Robert Ris

The best opening preparation, positional play and endgame technique are of little use if you fail to calculate the variations correctly in critical positions and then choose the wrong continuation. In his "Calculation Training" series, Dutch IM and coach Robert Ris provides us with the tools to improve in this area. Each course consists of introductory videos on a specific topic, followed by corresponding tests in the interactive FritzTrainer format, allowing us to put what we have learned into practice straight away.

The emphasis varies from course to course: in "Calculation Training", for example, the instructional videos make up the larger part, while "Calculation Training Booster" consists almost entirely of tests. The following overview shows all the courses released so far:

One thing that applies to all the courses is that there is virtually no overlap or duplication between them (with the exception of the courses for players rated 1000–1400 and 1400–1600). The overall level is quite high. Although the videos and exercises within each course vary in difficulty, I would say that – apart from the two courses aimed at players rated 1000–1400 and 1400–1600 – the target group starts at around 1500 DWZ/Elo. Players rated over 2000 can also learn a great deal from these courses and will find plenty of suitable exercises.

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Calculation Training for 1000-1400 players / for 1400-1600 players

Calculation Training for 1000-1400 players

Mastering these tactical motifs is essential to deepen your understanding of the game and become a better player. After all, you neither want to overlook the given chances by your opponent, nor blunder yourself!

Calculation Training for 1400-1600 players

Mastering these tactical motifs is essential to deepen your understanding of the game and become a better player. After all, you neither want to overlook the given chances by your opponent, nor blunder yourself!

These two courses are somewhat different from the others, as they essentially lay the foundations for calculation training: knowledge of the various tactical motifs. For example, you can only spot and calculate a double attack in a variation if you are familiar with the technique and know how to apply it. These courses are designed to teach and practise precisely that.

If your playing strength falls roughly within one of the two rating ranges (1000–1400 or 1400–1600), you should start the series with the corresponding course. There is little point in buying both courses, however, as there is some overlap between them.

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Calculation Training und Extreme Calculation Training

Calculation Training

This DVD emphasizes the importance of training your calculation skills. Dutch IM Robert Ris made a selection of training material which he uses in lessons with students ranging from 1400 to 2400.

The course "Calculation Training" is a very good introduction to the subject, as it covers fundamental topics such as forcing moves, the elimination method and visualisation. Each topic is illustrated with five detailed examples, supplemented by ten interactive tests in the exercise section. After completing this course, you will have a good idea of whether Robert Ris’s approach suits you.

Here is an example from the first chapter:

In this highly tactical position, White to move has to calculate several forcing moves accurately. The candidates are Nb6+, Qxc6 and Rd8+, but which move is correct – or rather, what is the correct move order? Try to work it out for yourself!

Extreme Calculation Training

Special attention will be paid to Intermediate Moves, Quiet Moves, Sacrifices on Empty Squares, Mating Patterns, Ignoring Opponents Threat, Calculation in Defence and Method of Comparison. Plus 50 interactive examples to test your knowledge.

If you like the concept, you can continue straight away with "Extreme Calculation Training", as it is an excellent complement to the first course. The two courses can essentially be regarded as "Calculation Training Vol. 1" and "Vol. 2". The topics are now somewhat more specialised, and there are plenty of exercises to practise them.

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Calculation Training in Attack & Defence Vol.1 und Vol. 2

Calculation Training in Attack & Defence Vol.1 & Vol.2

The two DVDs offer you the chance to solve 66 exercises with multiple questions. These exercises are presented in the interactive format, which makes them accessible for players of different strengths as we will go through the thought process step by step

As the author explains in the introduction, we can never have enough material for calculation training. After a few instructional videos on the subject, these two courses provide plenty of new exercises. They also introduce a new emphasis: accurate calculation is required not only in attacking positions, but also in defence.

Next come two courses which, apart from the introductory video, consist entirely of exercises in the interactive format. No specific topics are discussed here, so the courses build on the knowledge acquired in the earlier courses. To get the most out of them, you should have worked through one or more of the other "Calculation Training" courses first.

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Calculation Training Booster

This video course presents 29 new sample games with multiple questions in the interactive format, making it suitable for a wide range of playing strengths. Step by step, you are guided through complex positions in which you have to find the best play for both sides.

As in some of the other courses, the exercises are supplemented by positions from master games which you can play out yourself using the Fritz App.

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Calculation Training - Sharpen Your Game!

This course brings the series to a close for the time being. It offers 73 new and detailed interactive exercises, many of which include several test questions. The course is designed as a follow-up, providing you with further material for your calculation training.

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Conclusion

I very much enjoyed the "Calculation Training" video courses. With the interactive FritzTrainer format, I simply find solving exercises more enjoyable than, for example, working with books. Robert Ris presents the material and exercises in a very engaging and motivating way, familiar from his "Move by Move" contributions to ChessBase Magazine.

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About the author:

International Master Robert Ris (born in 1988) has successfully represented his native Netherlands at numerous youth championships. Today, he is primarily active as a chess coach in schools and chess clubs and teaches students from various countries online at playchess.com. He has also worked as a live commentator for the Dutch Championship and the traditional tournament in Wijk aan Zee.

Robert Ris in the ChessBase Shop